Apparatus for generating high-tension electrical impulses and ignition systems.



L. 1. LE PONTOIS.

APPARATUS FOR GENERATING HIGH TENSION ELECTRICAL IMPULSES AND IGNITION SYSTEMS. APPLICATION mm JAN. 2|. 1913.

1,238,533. Patented Aug. 28, 1917.

B SHEETS-SIIEET I.

L. J. LE PGNTOIS. APPARATUS ms GENERATING men TENSION ELECTRICAL mPuLsEs AND IGNITION SYSTEMS.

APPLICATION HLED IAN. 2|. SIB.

Patented Aug. 28, 1917.

L. 1. LE PONIOIS. APPABAIUS FOR GENERATING HIGH TENSION ELECTRICAL IMPULSES AND IGNITION SYSTEMS.

APPLICATION FILED MN. 2!. I9I3. 1,238,533. Patented Aug. 28,1917.

L. I. LE PONTOIS. APPARATUS EOR GENERATING HIGH TENSION ELECTRICAL IMPULSES ANOIGNITION SYSTEMS.

Patented Aug. 28, 1917.

a SHEETS-SHEET 4.

APPLICATION FILED MN. 21. I913.

INVENTOR WITNESSES L. J. LE PONTOIS APPARATUS FOR GENERAHNG HIGH TENSION ELECTRICAL IMPULSES AND lGNITION SYSTEMS. APPLICATION FILED um. 21. NB.

1,238,533. Patented Aug. '28, 1917.

8 SHEETS-SH!!! 5.

L. 1. LE PONTOIS. v APPARATUS FOR GENERATING HIGH TENSION ELECTRICAL IMPULSES AND IGNITION SYSTEMS.

APPLICATION mco IAN. 21. ms. 1,238,533. Patent/ed Aug. 28, 1917.

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IILIIIIIIIII) INVINTOR L. 1. LE PONTOIS. APPARATUS FOR GENERATING HIGH TENSION ELECTRICAL IMPULSES AND IGMTION SYSTEMS.

arrucanon mm |AN.2\.\913- 1,' 238,5 33, Patented Aug. 28, 1917.

8 SHEETS-SHEET I.

L. 1. LE PUNTOIS. APPARATUS FOR GENERATING HIGH TENSION ELECTRICAL IMPULSES AND IGNITTON SYSTEMS.

AI'IUCATION mzo mma. ma.

Patented Aug. 28, 1917.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

LEON .1. LE PONTOIS, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO THE TEAGLE COMPANY, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO, A CORPORATION OF OHIO.

APPARATUS FOR GENERATING HIGH-TENSION ELECTRICAL IMPULSES AND IGNITION SYSTEMS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Pa-tented Aug. 28, 1917.

Application filed January 21, 1913. Serial No. 743,858.

To all'whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, LEON J. Ln PoN'roIs, a, citizen of the Republic of France, residing at Cleveland, in the county of Cuyahoga and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in and Relating to Apparatus for Generatin High- Tension Electrical Im ulses and Ignition Systems, of which the ollowing is a specification.

This invention relates to apparatus for generating hi h tension electrical impulses and to an ignition system.

An object of my invention has been to provide a method of enerating intermittent electrical impulses 0 high tension current for ignition purposes which could largely be effected in a single, extremely compact generating unit of high efliciency, simple and cheap construction, and great durability.

An object of my invention has been to produce an inductor alternator unit for generating intermittent electrical impulses of high tension current, in which the hysteretic and eddy current losses would be confined to a minimum, and in which the length of the iron circuit subject to magnetic flux variations would be as short as possible, in order that the number of lines of flux threading through the generating winding would be as great as possible at a given instant, and the magnetic flux threading through said winding should in the normal operation of the apparatus vary as much as possible.

I have also sought to maintain substantially a unidirectional flux through the flux distributin element or rotor and to maintain the re nctance of the magnetic circuit during the normal operation of the apparatus nearly constant.

Another object has been to accomplish the above desired results in an apparatus in which is employed permanent magnets and of so opening and closing the electrical circnit that the preponderating influence of the apparatus in its normal operation will be to maintain rather than to break down the permanent magnets.

It is well understood that for ignition purposes intermittent impulses of high tension current will suffice. My invention relates especially to the generation and utilization ofsuch impulse currents, as contra-distingulshed from methods, systems or apparatus for constant current production.

Hereinafter I have undertaken to set forth anddescribe the method which I have invented as well as a. system and apparatus, illustrative of my invention.

Figure 1 is a side elevation of an inductor alternator embodying m invention.

Fig. 2 is a vertical ongitudinal section of the same, certain circuit completing parts being shown more or less diagrammatically.

Fig. 3 is a section on the line 3--3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is an end view of the apparatus.

Fig. 5 is a section on the line 5-5 of Fi 2.

4 ig. 6 is an end view of the field structure, the base being shown in transverse section, the coil being shown in position, the permanent magnets, however, being removed and also the rotor.

Fig. 7 is a, side elevation of the center rib.

Fig. 8 is a top plan view of the same.

Fig. 9 is an end view of the said rib.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of one of the spacing bars of non-magnetic material.

Fig. 11 is a side elevation of one of the magnet laminae.

Fig. 12 is a side elevation of a modified form of magnet lamina.

Fig. 13 is an end view of the same.

Fig. 14 is a side elevation of one of the lamina; constituting the magnetic pole structure.

Fig. 15 is an end elevation of the same.

Fig. 16 is an end elevation of the automatic spark advance mechanism.

Fig. 17 is a view of the same with the end plate removed.

Fig. 18 is a section on the line 18-1S, Fig. 17.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of one of the centrifugal arms or weights.

Fig. 20 is a view corresponding with Fig. 3 excepting that the pole structure, base and rotor are shaped for generating three instead of two complete electrical cycles durin one revolution of the rotor.

I ig. 21 is a view partly in side elevation and partly in longitudinal section of a modified form of construction.

Fig. 22 is a rear end view of the generator shown in Fig. 21, the breaker casing end plate being removed.

Fig. 23 is a section on the hue 2323 Fig. 21.

In the drawings:

1 indicates a casting comprising a section or base 1, intended to rest upon a suitable su port for the generator, a pair of annular poi e pieces 1", 1, alined and spaced at opposite ends of the base section 1", and a centrally located pole piece 1 having a polar face 1'. Whereas the parts referred to are illustrated and described as integrally formed it will be understood that if desired, they may be separately formed and suitably assembled and held together. Each of these pole pieces 1", 1 in the illustrated embodiment of my invention has a horizontally disposed fiat surface 2, arranged to magnetically contact with and support one polar end of a magnet structure to be hereinafer described. Each of these annular alined pole pieces carries an upwardly extending, centrally disposed lug 2' to receive a bolt, the purpose of which will be later described.

3 are lugs, which may be formed integral with the base section. the purpose of which will be later set forth.

4, indicates a magnet structure, a preferred form consisting of a plurality of laminae 4 of steel. In the construction illustrated in the drawing these laminae are arranged in groups, on opposite sides of a center rib 5 of nonmagnetic material. This center rib 5 has a horizontal section 5' at its top. a centrally disposed inwardly extending projection 5', and at its opposite ends, arms 5", 5 extending at an angle to the section 5'. The lower end of each arm 5", 5 is recessed at 5 to receive the adjacent lug 2' on the adjoining annular pole piece. 6 are bolts for securing the rib 5 to the lug 2'.

Each of the magnet lamina: 4" preferably conforms in shape to the general shape of a half of the center rib 5. it having at the end of its outer or longer leg a polar surface 4" arranged to make magnetic contact with the upper horizontal surface 2 of the adjacent pole piece 1" or 1, as the case may be, and at the end of its inner or shorter leg a polar surface 4.

There are four groups of lamina: shown in the illustrated embodiment of my invention, two of which are arranged on one side of the rib 5 and the other two on the opposite side of that rib. The groups on the same side of the ribs have their shorter legs disposed adjacent to each other, so as to form consequent poles at this point of the field magnet structure. The magnet laminae groups and the rib 5 may be firmly bound and held together in any suitable manner. For illustration I have shown this to be accomplished by means of rods or bars 7, passing through alined openings in adjoining parts, opposite ends of each stud or r'od being upset against the adjacent wall of the adjoining part.

9 is a magnetic pole structure arranged to make magnetic contact on its upper edge with the polar surfaces 4 at the ends of the shorter legs of the magnet laminae. This structure 9 is illustrated as composed of a plurality of lamina: 9 of metal of high magnetic permeability and low reluctance, as for example soft or annealed iron. Each of the laminae has a horizontal section 9" with polar projections 9 at either end thereof and a centrally disposed and arranged polar projection 9". 9 indicates the polar faces of the extensions 9 and 9' the polar faces of the extension 9". 9 are side plates of substantially corresponding shape to the soft iron lamina: 9. 10 are rivets, studs and screws by means of which the side plates 9 and lamime 9' may be suitably held or bound together.

The lower ends of the longer legs of the side plates 9 at the same ends of the structure 9 are connected together by means of spacing bars 11, of non-magnetic material, and by means of screws or studs 11 extending through such spacing bars into the adjacent ends of the side plates 9. Each of these spacing bars or plates 11 has a flange 11* which registers with the adjacent lugs 3 on the base section 1. Dowel pins or screws 11 extend between each pair of these lugs and the adjacent flange 11".

12 indicates as an entirety a rotor or flux distributer constructed and disposed to cooperate with the polar surfaces of the an nular pole pieces 1", 1 and the polar faces 1, 9 and 9' to effect during its oscillation or rotation alternate paths of least magnetic reluctance, first between the pair of polar faces 1' and 9' and then between the pair of polar faces 9'. The illustrated embodiment of this rotor comprises a central and enlarged section 12 having oppositely disposed polar faces 12" arranged to more in a path closely adjacent to the polar surfaces 1, 9 and 9, 9'. At either side of this central enlarged section 12' the rotor is re duced in section and has cylindrical sections 12. 12", the former entering the annular pole section I and the latter entering the polar section 1, the clearance between the annular polar surfaces and the corresponding cylindrical sections of the inductor rotor being preferably as small as ordi nary manufacturing facilities will permit. it being understood that the less the magnetic reluctance between these parts the better.

The front end of the rotor may be suitably formed or shaped to receive any well known kind of driving connection or coupling. The rear end of the rotor may be shaped and adapted to operate any suitable circuit openin and closing device, and distributer, or eit ier of them.

The inductor rotor 12, near either end thereof, is mounted in suitable anti-friction bearings 13 positioned within the annular pole pieces 1", 1. Nuts 14, 14, fitting screw threaded sections of the rotor serve to hold the said bearings 13 properly positioned. 15, 15', are end caps or plates detachably secured to the base section 1 in such manner as to protect the bearings 14, 14, from dust or foreign matter and to properly position the bearings.

The inductor rotor just described may be constructed in any suitable manner. It may be formed of one integral mass, may be laminated in Whole or in part, or may be constructed as illustrated in the drawings wherein laminated sections 12 are assembled between end plates 12', and bound together by rods or bars 12. upset at their ends, which laminated mass is forced into position on the rotor and made a part thereof by a suitable pressure.

16 is a generating coil. It is constructed so as to snugly fit over the polar projection 9. In the embodiment of my invention illustrated in the drawin the coil shown is ordinarily termed a eoi for high tension current induction. It has an inner section 16' of relatively coarse wire and an outer section 16" of relatively fine wire. It is to be understood that the apparatus may be easily adapted for what is ordinarily termed low tension current generating purposes, merely by having a coil with but a single winding of relatively coarse wire. The coil 16 may be held upon the polar projection 9 in any suitable manner.

17 is a terminal for one end of the coarse winding 16. This terminal is grounded by contact with the pole piece 9, which may be accomplished by a screw or in any other well known manner. At its other end the coarse winding 16 is connected to the inner end of the fine winding 16 and also to a terminal lead 18. This terminal lead 18 is electrically connected to the inner end of a terminal piece 19 having at its outer end a terminal post 20. The piece 19 and post 20 are insulated by material 21 from the centering rib 5. through which the piece 19 passes. This terminal piece 10 extends through and makes electrical contact with a metal piece 22, which is electrically connected with and supports a metal box sec tion 22.

23 is a condenser electrically connected at one end to the terminal post 2 through the shell section 22' and pieces 19 and 22.

The other end of the condenser is grounded by being electrically connected to a shell or box section 22" which is grounded to the frame and connected thereto by the screw 22'.

The fine winding lfi at its periphery has a contact plate or button 21 in electrical contact with the end of the line wire winding. 21 is a resilient conductor having at its free end a contact point 24 normally held in engagement with the high tension terminal 24. 25 is an insulating plug having an enlarged section 25' and a tubular section 25, the latter passing through a suitable opening in the. centering rib 5 provided therefor. 25 is a nut for securing the insulating plug in position. 26 is a high tension terminal lead extending through the insulator 25 and connected at its inner end to a conducting plate 27 which is electrically connected at 28 to one end of the conductor 24. 29 is a metal plate or button electrically connected to the pole piece 9 and suitably disposed relative to the connection 28 so as to form therebetween a suitable spark .gap 30, this being a safety spark gap to preclude ovcrstraining of the high tension circuit.

31 is a suitable binding post connection at the outer end of the terminal lead 26.

32 indicates as an entirety a suitable circuit opening and closing mechanism. This mechanism in the illustrated embodiment of my invention is disposed within the field structure. Of this mechanism. 33 is an arm pivotally connected at 34 to one section of a two part collar 35 arranged upon the inner end of the annular pole piece 1'. 37 is a spring securely connected at 37 to a lug 35 on one section of said collar 35 and having its other end connected at 37 to the heel of the breaker arm At its free end the breaker arm 33 carries a movable breaker electrode 38 adapted to make electric contactwith a normally stationary but adjustable brcaker electrode 39. which is carried by a holder 40. suitably insulated from the collar by the insulating material 41 and held in position there n by a bolt 42, and screw 43. both suitably insulated from the collar Lateral movement of the collar 35 and breaker parts mounted thereon relative to the pole piece 1" is prevented by forming an internal annular groove 35 in the collar 35, which groove receives a stud or studs 35 carried by the pole piece 1".

44 is a hard fiber plug or shoe carried by the breaker arm 38 and arranged for engagement with the surface of a cam 45, mounted upon and rigidly secured to the rotor 12. as by means of screws 45'.

The circuit is closed through the following conductors: low tension winding 16; lead 18; conductor 50 leading therefrom to bolt 42, thence through the holder 10, electrodes 39 and 38, and breaker arm 33 to ground, the other terminal 17 of the coarse winding being grounded. The condenser 23 is disposed in the circuit across the electrodes 38 and 39, or in parallel therewith.

Purely for the purpose of illustration I have shown somewhat diagrammatically a high tension external circuit beginning at the binding post 31 and leading by conductor 51 to a spark gap or plug 52 and thence to ground.

It will be understood that to facilitate simplicity of the description, I have not shown an distributer mechanism for the purpose 0 distributing at predetermined intervals electrical impulses successively to a plurality of spark gaps or plugs. Any suitable andwell known form of distributer can be readily applied to a. enerator embodying my invention, as Wlll be readily understood by one skilled in the art.

There has been a demand for what is known as automatic spark advance in connection with electric generating devices for ignition purposes. In order to provide for such automatic spark advance I have invented a mechanism which in the drawings is indicated as an entirety as 80, it being arranged at the front end of the rotor shaft. Of this mechanism 81 indicates a ear rigidly secured to the rotor shaft an having hubs 81', 81. Surrounding the said gear and loosely mounted at either side upon its hubs 81', 81', is a casing 82. having journals 82', 82' for said hubs. This casing coinprises a cup shaped member 82 and a cap or cover plate 82 which are secured together in any suitable manner as by screws 82. The cover plate carries a. forward extending clutch element 83 of any suitable design. 84 are eentrifugally operated arms diametrically disposed within the cup shaped member 82'', and each pivotally mounted near one end on a pivot pin 85, which pivot pin at one end is rigidly secured to casing member 82", while its other end is snugly fitted into a passa eway provided for it in plate 82*. Each 0? the arms 84 at its end nearest its point of pivotal connection with the casing 82, is provided with a gear segment 84 which meshes with the gear 81. 86 is a spring disposed in a recess in an arm 84 and bearing at its outer end against an element 86, carryin loosely an antifriction ball 86 which rol s upon a wear plate 87 carried by the casin 82". The spring tends normally to press t e free end of the arm 84 toward the axis of the rotor 12.

The method of generatin electrical impulses and the operation 0% the generator will be readily understood.

Referring to Figs. 2, 3, and 4, if we consider 4 as the polar face of the positive pole of the permanent magnet and 4" as the negative pole, we may take as the beginning of a cycle, the instant when the flux distributing section 12' is in the vertical position and rotating counter-clockwise as indicated by the arrow. At this time the mag netic flux would be flowing downward from the positive central pole of the magnet through the soft iron 9 inside the coil 16, into the polar face 12" of the rotor, thence through the rotor shaft and the annular poles 1", 1, to the negative poles of the magnets. As the reluctance of the path 4, 9", 9, 12", 12, 1", 1, 4", is at this time a minimum, we have the maximum flux linking the coil 16, any magnetic leakage across the air gap between the rotor 12 and the polar faces 9 being at this time substantially negligible.

As the flux distributor revolves counterclockwise, the reluctance of the path at 9', 12", 12 increases and the reluctance of the path at 9', 12", 12 decreases. As a result more of the flux from 4 goes around to 4" by way of the polar faces 9 and less flux passes through the coil 16.

At this oint when the flux through the coil 16 begins to decrease, the movable electrode 38 of the circuit opening and closing mechanism engages with the electrode 39, thus short circuiting the primary winding 16 on itself, and the decreasing flux induces a current in this primary winding which opposes the further decreasing of the flux therethrough. In other words, a current is induced which tends to drive a magnetic flux through the coil, in the direction and having a tendency to magnetize the permanent ma et.

As the ux distributer 12 turns farther around, the flux chan e operating inductively on the coil 16 ecomes very rapid and the current induced in the short circuited primary winding 16", comparatively large. At this point the cam 45 operates to move the electrode 38 away from the electrode 39, thereby opening the primary circuit. For an instant the condenser 23 absorbs the current previously flowing through the breaker electrode, thus giving these breaker electrodes time to get separated an appreciable distance before the potential rises, so as to effect a sparkless break which insures a very quick interruption of the primary current.

The ener y stored in the condenser meanwhile may issipate itself as I'R loss in the winding 16, through which an oscillatory discharge flows from the condenser. The self induction of the coils and the capacity of the condenser are of such value that the condenser current never becomes suliiciently large to have an appreciable demagnetizing action upon the permanent ma nets.

The sudden interruption o the current due to the opening of the breaker mechanism ztt'Celeinu'e the flux decrease in the coil surrounding the polar projection 9, and an exceedingly high voltage is generated between the terminals of the spark gap 52. When this voltage rises to a magnitude sufiicient to break down the dielectric in the spark gap an electric discharge between the electrodes of the spark gap follows.

The current generated, as above stated, always flows in such direction as to produce a magneto motive force tending to magnetize the permanent magnet.

By the time the electric discharge occurs between the electrodes of the spark gap, most of the magnetic flux is flowing from the polar face 4 through the soft iron 9", 9 polar faces 9, rotor 12, annular pole pieces 1, 1, to the olar faces 4", only a negligible amount of Us threading the coil 16 and leaking across the air gap between the polar face 9 and the rotor 12.

As the rotor leaves the horizontal position, the flux begins to increase through the coil 16 due to the decreasing reluctance of the circuit 4, 9", 9 12", 12, 1", 1, 4*, the reluctance of the circuit 4, 9", 9, 12, 4', increasing, simultaneously. At this time the breaker electrodes 38, 39, are separated, that is, the primary circuit 16 is open, so that no current can flow in the coil 16".

When the rotor again reaches a vertical position the flux is again a maximum in the coil and the cycle is repeated.

By providing the pole piece 1 opposite the polar projection 9", the rotor is magnetically balanced, that is, the magnetic pull on it from above and below is approximately equalized so that the load upon the bearings 13 is made more uniform. However, such use of the pole piece 1 is not at all essential, as is indicated in Fig. 20 which shows a construction without such pole piece.

It should be noted, in connection with the operation above described, that the current in the coil never flows in such a manner as to demagnetize the magnet, its tendency be ing always to magnetize; there is always a unidirectional How in the rotor of the major part of the magnetic flux and, in case the pole piece 1" is omitted, of all such flux, so that the rotor is really only a flux distributor, and eddy current and hysteretic losses in it are very small; the permanent magnet always has a magnetic path of low reluctance for the flux etween its poles, thereby much improving the keeping qualities of the permanent magnet; and the soft iron polar projections 9, and 9, 9", are always excited to the same polarity by the permanent magnet, hence the leakage between them is negligible.

The parts of the rotor which rotate within the annular poles need not be laminated for the reason that substantially no currents will be generated in the rotor mass owin to the uniform densitygof the magnetic held surrounding it. The central part of the rotor rotates always in a magnetic field of a certain polarity and the tips of the rotor only may be the seats of induced current.

It will be further noted that the paths of least magnetic reluctance established by the flux distributer always extend from the extreme polar end faces of the magnet, in other words, such paths of reluctance are not alternately shifted up and down over a considerable portion of the body of the polar end of the magnet structure, as is the case in many existing types of magneto generators, for example, ordinary horse shoe types.

In assembling the structure illustrated in the drawings, the flux distributing section 12 is inserted between the annular pole pieces 1", 1 and then the shaft of the rotor is introduced through one annular pole piece, and then through the flux distributin section and forced into proper working relation with said flux distributing section, preferably under pressure.

If desired the magnet laminae may be formed as illustrated in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13, or any other suitable magnet structure may be employed.

The operation of the automatic spark advance mechanism is most simple. \Vhen the rotor is at rest each spring 86 acts upon the adjacent centrifugal arm with which it engages in such'manner as to hold the gear segment on said arm 84 in such position that the flux distributing section l2 of the rotor 12 bears a certain angular relation "to the clutch element 83. This relationship is such as to effect a late or retarded spark in the cylinder of a motor, the crank shaft of which we will assume is geared to the clutch 83. When the casing 82, through the instrumentality of the clutch 83 is rotateu, the arms 84 are subjected to the action of centrifugal force. Consequently as the speed of rotation of the casing 82 is increased the centrifugal action of the arms 84, which are suitably proportioned to the mass of the inductor rotor, will eflect angular advance rotation of the rotor 12, so as to cause an earlier opening of the circuit by the breaker 32, all the while maintaining substantially a constant relative position of the flux distributing section 12 to the polar faces 9 and 9, 9, at the instant of operation of the circuit openin and closing means to open the circuit. f-Iaving angularly, so to speak, advanced the rotor, should the speed of the casing 82 then be lessened, the springs 86, compressed under the outward movement of the arms 86 due to centrifugal action, now act to press the free ends of the arms inwardly toward the axis of the rotor 1'2, thereby angularly retarding the action of the breaker and simultaneously angularly retarding the flux distributing section 12 in relation to the casing 82.

By a slight modification of the construction hereinbefore specifically described, a generator of my invention may be readily adapted for use on either a three or a six cylinder motor and geared to run at crank shaft speed thereon. This modification consists in forming the flux distributing section 12' with three polar surfaces instead of two and with three high points on the cam for the breaker, instead of two, as in the specific construction hereinbefore described, and suitably shaping and dis osing the polar faces 1', 9, 9', and 9' relatively there to. These polar surfaces of the modified flux distributer for three and six cylinder ignition, as illustrated in Figs. 20, 22 and 23, are disposed with their axes 120 degrees from each other, as are also the high ints of the cam. It will be noted, that wit this construction of fluxdistribu'ter two impulses or waves of electro-motive force will be generated at each 120 degrees of rotation of the rotor, one wave being due to increasing flux densit and the other to decreasing flux density. 11 other words, for each rotation of the rotor there will be available for cu'rrent generation three waves due to decreasing flux density. By this arrangement excessively high s eeds of rotation of 'the retor incident to t 1e one and one-half gear ratio between armature shaft and crank shaft of the motor which has heretofore been used for six cylinder ignition, is avoided, and in addition a suitable speed of rotor for three cylinder ignition is secured.

Whereas I have hereinbefore specifically described a construction whereby it is possible to effect relative angular ad ustment of the rotor to the magnet and field structure, it will be understood that substantially the same result may be obtained by providing for angular adjustment of the ole structure carrying the generating win ings relative to the rotor. An example of this last roferrcd to construction is illustrated in Figs. 21, 22 and 23, wherein parts like those hereinbefore described are similarly numbered and wherein 9" is a polepieoe having its up- )01' surface in magnetic contact with the )0- lar faces 4 of the magnet, this relations ip being maintained in any suitable manner, as by screws 89, extending through said pole piece and into the center rib 5. The under olar face 90 of the pole piece 9 is curviinear in shape, being formed in the arc of a circle struck from the axis of the rotor 12 as a center. In this construction the laminated pole structure 9 is, as an entirety, angularly adjustable about the axis of the rotor 12 and relative to the polar-face 9U. The upper polar surface 9 of the pole structure 9 is also formed in the arc of a circle struck from the axis of the rotor shaft as a center, so that it is concentric with the arc of the polar surface 90, and these two curved surfaces are disposed relatively to each other as closely as commercial standards of manufacture will permit and allow relative movement of these parts.

The side plates 9 in this modified construction are made of suitable non-magnetic material, such as manganese bronze, and are extended downwardly, and each is rovided with an annular boss or flange 9. he side 'plate 9 at the driving end of the generator is lo'osel mounted on an annular projection I of t e annular polepiece 1", while the other side plate 9' is mounted uponand rigidly secured to the inner end of a breaker casing 91, which casing comprises the annular sections 91 and 91" mounted within the annular polepiece 1 to turn loosely therewithin, and the rear extension or breaker box 91.

92 is a screw for securing the adjacent side plate 9 to the section 91". The antifriction bearing 13 for the rear end of the rotor shaft is mounted in the section 91".

p 91 is an end or cover plate for the breaker casin' It may be secured thereto by screws, not 5 own, or in any suitable manner. It carries an inwardly extending flange 91',

the inner end of which engages with the outer race of the adjacent bearing 13 so as to properly position the latter. In this constructlon the breaker cam 45 is arranged at the rear end of the rotor shaft and rigidly secured thereto by means of screws 93 and washer 94. The breaker arm 33 is provided with an insulating bushing 33' of suitable material, such as hard fiber, and this bushing is pivotall mounted u on a stationary stud 34 carried by the brea er casing. The breaker spring 37 is connected at 37' to the breaker arm, and its op osite end is rigidly secured at 37 to a binding post 37", carried by the breaker casin 91 and suitably insulated therefrom, as %y an insulating block 37, carried by the breaker casing. At one end the breaker arm 33 carries a movable electrode 38 arranged to make electrical contact with an electrically rounded stationary and ad'ustable clectro e 39. The other end of the reaker arm carries a fiber block or shoe 44, which engages with the surface of breaker cam 45.

91' is a cap or plate pivotally mounted at 95 on the breaker casing to be swung at will in such manner as to facilitate inspection of the breaker terminals 38 and 39.

In this construction the conductor 50 leading from the common connection at 19 for the condenser and relatively coarse winding. is electrically connected to the binding post 37 and thence throu h the spring 37 and arm 33 to the electro e 38.

91 is a lug on the breaker casing by means of which mechanical connection may be made therewith to provide for the angular adjustment of the breaker casing and magnetic pole structure 9, which adjustment may be effected manually or automatically as desired.

It will be understood with this construction, that for the purpose of obtaining advance and retarded ignition the magnetic pole structure 9 is angularly adjusted relative to the magnet structure 4 in such manner that, when the position of the breaker cam is once set, adjustment for advance and retard spark may be obtained with assurance that the breaker will always operate at substantially the same point in each generating cycle irrespective of the angular position of advance or retard of the pole structure 9 with relation to the magnet structure 4.

Since in the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figs. 2-1, 22 and 23, the generating winding 16 is movable relatively to the magnetic structure 4-, condenser 93 and high tension terminal 26, suitable provision to allow for such relative movement should be made. This may be accomplished in any desired manner. Purely for the purpose of illustration I have shown coiled wires for each of the connections between the opposite ends of the coarse wire winding 16 and the condenser, and ground, respectively, and another between the outer end of the fine wire winding 16 and the plate 27. These coiled wires will allow of relative movement of the parts which they connect. It may suffice to ground one terminal of the winding 16 to the adjacent side plate 9 in this construction, instead of to the magnet structure 4.

To those skilled in the art of making apparatus of the class described, many alterations in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of my invention will suggest themselves, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. My disclosures and the description herein are purely illustrative. and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

\Vhat I claim is:

1. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination of magnet and field structure having at one of the magnet poles an annular pole piece and at the opposite magnet pole a plurality of polar projections, a generating winding arranged in inductive relation to one of said polar projections and an inductor rotor extending through said annular pole piece and having a section movable relative to said polar projection to cooperate therewith in establishing paths of least magnetic reluctance first through and then outside of said generating winding.

2. In apparatus of the class described the combination of a magnet and field structure having at one magnet pole a plurality of polar projections disposed in a plane at right angles to the plane of said magnet and field structure, a generating winding arranged in inductive relation to one of said polar projections, and an inductor rotor extending axially from the plane of said polar projections to the other pole of the magnet and having a section movable relative to said polar projections and cooperating therewith to establish paths of least magnetic reluctance first through and then outside of said generating winding.

3. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination of a magnet and field structure having at one magnet pole thereof a plurality of polar projections disposed in a plane transverse to the plane of the magnet, a generating winding arranged in inductive relation to one of said polar projections, an inductor rotor disposed in the plane of said magnet and field structure and extending axially from the said polar projections to the opposite pole of the magnet so as to afford a continuous uni-directional path for flux between the ma et poles, said rotor having a section movab e relative to said polar projections and cooperating therewith to establish paths of least magnetic reluctance first through and then outside of said generating winding.

4. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination of a pair of magnetic cir cuits arranged with two like poles in consequent pole relationship to each other and the other two poles of like polarity spaced apart, a plurality of polar projections excited to the same polarit by said consequent poles, a generating win ing in inductive re lation with one of said polar projections, and a flux distributer disposed in said magnetic circuits and forming at all times paths for unidirectional magnetic flux between said consequent poles and the other poles of said magnetic circuits, and having a section movable relative to said polar projections to effect variations in flux density through said generator Winding.

5. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of a magnetizable base section, a pair of permanent magnets with two of their poles of like polarity arranged in consequent pole relationship to each other and their other two poles spaced apart and each in magnetic contact with said base section, a plurality of polar projections excited to the same polarity by said consequent poles, a generatin winding in inductive relation with one 0 said polar projections, and a flux distributer mounted in said base section and serving to establish at all times paths of low magnetic reluctance between said polar projections and the poles of said magnets which are in contact with said base section.

combination of a magnctizable base section, a pair of permanent magnets with two of their poles of like polarity arranged in consequent pole relationship to each other and their other two poles spaced apart and each in magnetic contact with said base section, a plurality of polar projections excited to the same polarity by said consequent poles, a generating winding in inductive relation with one of said polar projections, and a flux distributor mounted in said base section, serving to establish at all times paths of low magnetic reluctance between said polar projections and the poles of saidmagnets which are in contact with said base section and movable to effect variations of magnetic flux density through said generatinv winding.

7. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of a; magnetizable base section having a pair of alined annular pole pieces, a pair of permanent magnets with two of their poles of like polarity arranged in consequent pole relationship to each other and their other two'po'les spaced apart and each in ma etic contact with one of said annular p0 e pieces of said base section, a plurality of polar projections excited to the same polarity by said consequent poles, at gencratingwinding in inductive relation to one of said polar projections, and a flux distributor extending at either end within the adjacent; annular pole of said base section and having a section movable relative to said polar rejections and cooperating therewith to e ect variations of magnetic flux density through said generating winding.

8. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of a magnet and field structure, a generating winding arranged in inductive relation with said magnet and field structure, and a. flux distributor movable relative to said field structure and cooperating therewith to establish three times during each complete revolution of said flux distributor paths for a unidirectionalflux first through and then outside of said generating winding and unidirectionally through said flux distributor throughout the cycle of operation, whereby the flux passing through said flux distributor is not reversed during said cycle.

9. In apparatusof the class described, the combination of a magnet andfield structure, a generating winding arranged in inductive relationship to said magnet and field structure, and a flux distributer having three distributing sections with polar faces arranged one hundred and twenty degrees from each other about the periphery of said flux distributer and movable relative to said field structure and cooperating therewith to establish three times during each rotation of said flux distributor paths for a unidirectional flux first through and then outside of said generating winding.

10. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of a magnet, a plurality of polar projections adjustably mounted relative to one of the poles of said magnet, a generating winding supported by one of said polar projections, and a flux distributer movable relative to said polar projections and cooperating therewith to establish paths of least magnetic reluctance first through and then outside of said' generating winding.

11. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of a magnet, a plurality of polar projections adjustably mounted relative to one of the poles of said magnet, a genera ting winding supported by one of said polar pro ections, a flux distributer movable relative to said olar projections and cooperating therewlth to establish paths of least magnetic reluctance first through and then outside of said generatin winding, and means for adjusting said polar projections relative to said magnet and also to said rotor.

12. Inapparatus of the class described, the combination of a base, a permanent magnet thereon, an inductor rotor mounted on said base, a plurality of polar projections supported from said base and interposed between one of the poles of said magnet and said inductor rotor and movable relative to said magnet and said inductor rotor, and a generating winding carried by one of said polar projections.

13. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of a base, a permanent magnet thereon, an inductor rotor mounted on said base, a plurality of polar projections having suppprting plates of non-magnetic material swmgab y supported from said base and interposed between one of the poles of said ma at and said inductor rotor and movable re ative to said ma et and said inductor rotor,-and a generating winding carried by one of said polar projections.

14. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of a base, a permanent magnet thereon, an inductor rotor mounted on said base, a plurality of polar projections supported from said base and interposed between one of the poles of said magnet and said inductor rotor and movable relative to said magnet and said inductor rotor, a generating winding carried by one of said polar projections, and a circuit opening and closing mechanism for said generating winding adjustable with said polar projections and a cam carried by said rotor for operating said openin and closing mechanism.

15. n apparatus of the character described, the combination of a field magnet having at one of its poles a plurality of polar projections, a generating winding on one of said polar projections the other of said polar projections being unwound, and a rotatable flux distributer having a shaft section extending close to the opposite pole of the magnet and a part arranged adjacent the said polar projections of the. magnet, said distributer being adapted when turned to vary the flux density threading through the genera ting winding and to sustain constantly the flux between the poles of the magnet.

1 6. In apparatus of the character described, the combination of a permanent field magnet having at one of its oles a plurality of adjacent polar projections a generating winding on one of said po ar ro ections, the other polar projections being unwound, and a rotatable flux distribu ter having a shaft section extending close to the opposite (pole of the magnet and a part arranged a jacent the said polar pr0- ections of the magnet, said distributer being adapted when turned to vary the flux density threading through the generating winding and to carry constantly in one direction the flux between the poles of the ma et.

1 In apparatus of the character described, the combination of a ermanent field magnet, a generating winding in inductive relation-with said magnet, metallic means extending from one pole of the magnet to the opposite pole thereof for carrying a continuous, unidirectional fiux of the field, said means comprising a continuously rotating flux distributer for increasing and decreasing the flux threading through the generatin winding, and means for openin the circuit through the generating win ing while the flux threading therethrough is decreasin 18. In apparatus of t e character described, the combination of a permanent field magnet, a generating winding in inductive relation with said magnet, metallic means extending from one pole of the mag net to the opposite pole thereof for carryin a continuous, unidirectional flux of the field, said means comprising a continuously rotating flux distributer for increasing and decreasing the flux threading through the generating winding, and means for closing and opening the circuit through the generating winding while the flux threading therethrough is decreasing.

19. In apparatus of the character de scribed, the combination of a permanent field magnet, a generating winding in inductive relation with said magnet, metallic means extending from one pole of the magnet to the opposite pole thereof for carrying a unidirectional flux of the field, said means comprising a continuously rotating flux distributer for increasing and decreasing the flux threading through the generating winding, and means for opening the circuit through the generating winding while the flux threading therethrough is dc creasing.

20. In apparatus of the character described, the combination of a permanent field magnet, aige-nerating winding in in ductive relation with said magnet, metallic means extending from one pole of the mag net to the opposite pole thereof for carrying a unidirectional flux of the field, said means comprising a continuously rotating llux distributer for increasing and decreasing the flux threading through the generating winding, and means for closing and opening the circuit through the generating winding while the flux threading therethrough is decreasing.

21. In apparatus of the character described, the combination of a field magnet having an adjustably mounted polar projection through which the flux of the magnet flows always in the same direction, a generating winding on said polar projection, a rotary flux distributer for varying the density of the flux threading through the generating winding, means for opening the circuit through the generating winding at a certain point in the movement of the fiux distributer, said means being adjustable to advance or retard the point at which the circuit is opened, and means for simultaneously adjusting the polar projection with its generating winding and the said circuit opening means, whereby the relative positions of the polar projection and the flux distributer at the opening of the circuit are maintained the same as the point of such opening is advanced or retarded.

22. In apparatus of the character described, the combination of a field magnet having an adjustably mounted pole piece formed with a plurality of polar projections, a generating winding on one of said projections, a rotary flux distributor for shifting the field flux alternately through the wound polar projection and an unwound pnlar projection, means for opening the cin cuit through the generating winding at a certain point in the movement of the fiux distributer, said means being adjustable to advance or retard the point at which the circuit is opened, and means for simultaneously adjusting the polar projection with its generating winding and the said circuit opening means, whereby the relative positions of the polar projection and the flux distrihuter at the opening of the circuit are maintained the same as the point of such opening is advanced or retarded.

23. In apparatus of the character described, the combination of a permanent field magnet, pole pieces in magnetic contact with the polar faces at the ends of the magnet, a generating winding in inductive relation with the field of the magnet, a flux distributer cooperating with the pole pieces to vary the amount of flux threading through the said winding, the flux distributer being relatively distant from those parts of the pern'mnent magnet other than the said polar faces, and means for closing and opening the circuit of the generating winding during decrease of magnetic flux density therethrough efiected by the operation of the flux distributer. I.

24. In apparatus of the character described, the combination 'of a magnetic field structure having a plurality of polar -rojections, a high tension generating win ng in inductive relation to said polar projections, a continuously rotating'unwound flux distributer cooperating with said polar projections to maintain therewith 'at all times a closed magnetic circuit and to increase and decrease always in one and the same direction the flux threading through said ene'ratin'g winding, means for openin and c osing an electric circuit through sai' generatin winding and means fox-simultaneously e ecting relative an ardisplacezrient of the polar faces ofsaid flux distribuber and the olar faces 'of said polarprojecti ons and t e ad'va'ncmgazid oi operation of said circuit opening and osing means. v

25. In apparatus of the class -described,

the combination of a field magnet structure having a plurality of polar projections, a generating winding having a spark gap; siiid winding 'hein arranged in inductive relation to said fie (1 structure, an unwound flux distributer constantly rotating relative to said polar projections when in operation alternately to increase and decrease the flux linking through said winding and to maintain the path of least reluctance for the magnetic circuit always in the same electro-magn'etic relation to said winding, means for closing I p and opening an electric circuit through said winding in a definite timed relation to said distribution of flux, and means for advancing and retarding simultaneously said distribut on qfflux and the opening and closing "of said circuit whereby high tension sparks having curved waves 10f like shape and valu'efor a given frequency throughout the reagent spark adjustment are caused pei-iodicall-yto j'ump 'siri'd spark gap.

In testimony whereof I a x my signature, in the piesemm of two witnessw.

LEON J. Le PONTOIS.

Witnesses: EDWARD jP.

Cable: or this patent may be olitalneuter an cents each, by addressing the "commissioner ot'iatcntt. w'uhlngtonfll. 0. i 

